Losing important files or folders on your Windows PC can be stressful, whether due to accidental deletion, formatting, or system crashes. However, Windows provides several recovery methods, ranging from basic options to advanced, professional-grade techniques. This article will guide you through these solutions, offering practical advice and step-by-step instructions suitable for all levels of Windows users.
What Are the Basic File Recovery Options in Windows?
Before diving into advanced solutions, it’s essential to try the built-in recovery features that Windows offers. Here’s how you can use them:
1. Recycle Bin Recovery
Accidentally deleted files are usually moved to the Recycle Bin.
– Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Search for the file or folder.
– Right-click on the item and select Restore.
2. File History and Previous Versions
Windows File History automatically backs up versions of your files if it is enabled.
– Right-click on the file or folder and choose Restore previous versions.
– Browse through the available versions and select Restore.
If you haven’t enabled File History, open Settings > Update & Security > Backup to turn it on for future protection.
3. System Restore
While System Restore primarily targets system files, it may help recover critical files linked to system states.
– Type Restore Point in the Start menu search box.
– Click System Restore and follow the on-screen instructions.
How Can Glary Utilities Help Recover Files?
Glary Utilities isn’t just for cleaning and optimizing your PC; it also offers a built-in file recovery tool. This is especially useful if you need an easy, all-in-one solution for both maintenance and file recovery.
– Open Glary Utilities and go to the “Advanced Tools” tab.
– Click on File Recovery.
– Select the drive where your lost files were located and start a scan.
– Browse through the list of recoverable files, select the ones you need, and click Restore.
Glary Utilities can recover files emptied from the Recycle Bin, files lost due to formatting, or files deleted by mistake. Its user-friendly interface makes the process accessible for all skill levels.
What If the Files Are Not in the Recycle Bin or Backups?
If basic methods do not help, more advanced techniques are available:
1. Specialized File Recovery Software
There are powerful third-party tools designed to scan storage devices and recover lost files, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery. These tools can:
– Recover files from formatted drives, corrupted partitions, or files deleted long ago.
– Perform deep scans for better results.
– Support a wide range of file types.
Step-by-step example with Recuva:
– Download and install Recuva.
– Launch the program and choose the file type you want to recover.
– Select the location where the file was lost.
– Start the scan and review the results.
– Select files to recover and save them to a different drive or folder.
2. Command Line Recovery with Windows File Recovery Tool
Microsoft offers a command-line utility called Windows File Recovery (available from the Microsoft Store) for advanced users who are comfortable with text-based commands.
– Install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
– Open Command Prompt as administrator.
– Use the command:
winfr source-drive: destination-folder /regular /n \path\to\file
Replace source-drive, destination-folder, and file path accordingly.
A typical recovery command might look like:
winfr C: D:\RecoveredFiles /regular /n *.docx
This scans the C: drive for deleted Word documents and saves them in D:\RecoveredFiles.
What Precautions Should You Take After File Loss?
– Stop using the affected drive immediately to prevent overwriting the deleted data.
– If possible, perform recoveries on a different drive or use an external recovery tool.
– Always save recovered files to a new location, not the original drive.
Can You Prevent File Loss in the Future?
Absolutely. Prevention is better than cure. Here are some recommended habits:
– Regularly back up important files using Windows Backup, File History, or cloud storage options like OneDrive or Google Drive.
– Use Glary Utilities to perform regular maintenance, which can help prevent file corruption and system errors. Its 1-Click Maintenance feature scans for disk errors, cleans junk files, and optimizes performance, reducing the risk of unexpected data loss.
– Keep your antivirus and system software up to date to avoid malware and system vulnerabilities.
When Should You Consider Professional Data Recovery Services?
If files are extremely valuable and not recoverable through software, or if the storage device is physically damaged, consider turning to professional data recovery services. Hardware-level recovery is complex and should only be attempted by experienced professionals to avoid permanent data loss.
Summary
Windows offers a range of file recovery methods, from simple Recycle Bin restores to advanced command-line tools and professional utilities like Glary Utilities. By following these steps and best practices, you can maximize your chances of recovering lost files and protecting your valuable data in the future.